Inga Grigaitiene, proprietor of the award-winning A&B Guesthouse in Cambridge, is awaiting the Chancellor’s 2025 Autumn Budget with the hope that further taxation or cost increases will not be placed on small hospitality businesses already under financial strain.
Running the boutique guesthouse on Tenison Road, Inga explains that rising staffing expenses, commission fees from online booking platforms, and increasing energy and maintenance costs are leaving minimal margins for independent operators.
“Running a guesthouse is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also a constant balancing act,” said Inga. “By the time you cover wages, cleaning, energy bills, and the high fees charged by booking platforms, there’s often very little left. I’m hopeful the Chancellor will recognise that small, independent hospitality businesses need relief, not more costs.”
She stresses that Cambridge’s tourism identity relies heavily on personal, family-run accommodation businesses.
“Guests love staying in independent places like ours because of the character, attention to detail, and genuine hospitality,” Inga added. “We’re proud to represent the heart of local tourism, but every new financial burden makes it harder to keep going. I really hope this Budget supports small businesses rather than pushing them to the brink.”
Inga believes targeted government support, including rate reductions and changes to VAT, would help ensure independent guesthouses can continue to serve visitors and sustain the local economy.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.aandbguesthousecambridge.com.
